A foreign toxicological expert told a court today that the victim of a tragedy at Dingli Cliffs last year had a high concentration of aspirin in her blood but which was unlikely to have caused her death.

Michael Scottham, a forensic toxicologist and expert for 37 years, said the level in Lisa Maria Zahra’s blood indicated that she had consumed a “large amount” of aspirin tablets shortly before her death.

Toxicological tests also confirmed that there were no traces of alcohol in her blood.

Dr Scottham was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Ms Zahra’s drama teacher, Erin Tanti, who is accused of murdering her, assisting her suicide, defiling her and participating in sexual acts with her, being in possession of indecent images of her and abusing a position of trust.

Ms Zahra had been found dead at the foot of Dingli Cliffs on 19 March, 2014, while Mr Tanti was found a few metres away, dazed but only slightly injured.

The only witness in today’s sitting was Dr Scottham, who explained that he was given preserved blood samples to carry out toxicological tests.

He said that no traces of alcohol had been found but acetylsalicylic acid, a derivative of aspirin, was present at concentrations of 460mg per litre, which he described as “very high”.

He said that this could be considered to be a high concentration, but emphasised that it was unlikely to cause death.

The expert noted that high doses of aspirin were likely to cause stomach pains and even internal bleeding but had no effect on one’s brain functions, although some people can suffer fits as a result of such ingestion.

He did point out that low doses of aspirin could be fatal if the person is allergic to aspirin.

Police Inspector Keith Arnaud is prosecuting, while lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha are appearing for Mr Tanti.

Lawyers Giannella de Marco, Steve Tonna Lowell and Joe Giglio are appearing as parte civile for the Zahra family.